Suffering

In most cultures, suffering is considered bad. Some would even imply that to suffer means that you are a sinner or even cursed by God!

Catholicism is unique in that is recognises the redemptive work of suffering – how in the pain and trials God can do good. This is shown most clearly in Christ’s suffering.

In SUNDAY’S 2nd READING (TRINITY SUNDAY) from the letter to the Romans St Paul writes: “we can boast about our sufferings. These sufferings bring patience… and patience brings perseverance, and perseverance brings hope… because the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit which has been given us.”

Let us pray for all who are suffering as we say: Our Father…

Pray: In prayer or at Mass, offer you own sufferings to God so that he would turn them into something good.